Third Stage is the third studio album released by American rock band Boston. The record was originally released in 1986 after taking a span of six years to record. Third Stage features number one single "Amanda" along with other top hits "We're Ready" and "Can'tcha Say (You Believe In Me) / Still In Love". The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 where it remained for four weeks.
After rushing their second album Don't Look Back, Boston took eight years to complete the album Third Stage. The long delay is even more surprising considering that their sound didn't change at all; even though only songwriter/guitarist Tom Scholz and vocalist Brad Delp remained from the original lineup, they were the ones responsible for Boston's sound. As such, it is difficult to avoid comparisons with their landmark debut. Third Stage has some strong moments, especially the number one hit "Amanda" where the band blends acoustic and electric guitars to complement the layered vocals. However, the songs are not as strong as those on their debut, and the album is marred by the presence of instrumental fillers and an attempt to cling to a theme of "journey through life's third stage." Thus, rather than focusing on universal topics such as the exuberance and uncertainties associated with youth, the mature lyrics are lost on most of their young rock audience. Given the time between albums and the changes in the pop landscape, it was a little disappointing to find Boston stuck in the same sound. The album still sounds great when it works on all cylinders ("We're Ready," "Cool the Engines"), but the album is not filled with enough satisfying moments. This may be nostalgic pop rock of the '80s, but casual listeners should start with their debut.
Brad Delp – lead and harmony vocals
Tom Scholz – guitars, organs, piano, bass guitar, drums, percussion
Jim Masdea – drums, percussion
Sib Hashian – drums, percussion
Gary Pihl – guitar on "I Think I Like It"
01. Amanda
02. We're Ready
03. The Launch: A) Countdown; B) Ignition; C) Third Stage Separation
04. Cool The Engines
05. My Destination
06. A New World
07. To Be A Man
08. I Think I Like It
09. Can'tcha Say (You Believe In Me) / Still In Love
10. Hollyann
